What is something God has been teaching you through your Bible reading this week?

What is one truth or “take-away” from the sermon that you found particularly challenging/convicting/helpful?

God is the one who is attributed as closing Hannah’s womb in 1 Sam 1:4–5, and yet, He did this in order to work His sovereign power in human weakness to accomplish His good purposes—for Hannah, and also for the rest of Israel (and ultimately to the world). How might this understanding that God uses human weakness and sorrow for His glorious purposes help a Christian in the midst of trials?

What keeps you from pouring your heart out to God more in prayer? Would you be willing for God to do anything in your life in order to increase your neediness to come before Him in prayer?

Read 1 Samuel 1:12-18. How did the assumptions Eli made about Hannah’s actions reveal his own spiritual condition? Are there assumptions you’re quick to make about other believers? Do those assumptions reveal areas in your own life where spiritual growth is needed?

God used someone who was weak in the world’s eyes to accomplish His purposes in bearing the prophet Samuel who would raise up king David (who foreshadowed the blessing of King Jesus). Where else in scripture has God worked in nearly impossible situations through weak people in order to accomplish His purposes? How does your own weakness qualify you for being used by God? (See 1 Cor 1:26–31)